TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps you navigate the complexities of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores how PMI can provide support for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, offering a clear path to understanding your private healthcare options. Covering leukaemia, lymphoma and haematology services privately A blood cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event.
Key takeaways
- Leukaemia: Cancer of the white blood cells. Around 10,100 people are diagnosed with leukaemia annually in the UK.
- Lymphoma: Cancer that begins in the infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. It's the most common blood cancer, with around 14,200 new cases each year.
- Myeloma: Cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. About 6,000 people are diagnosed with myeloma in the UK each year.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
- A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management.
As an FCA-authorised expert with over 900,000 policies arranged, WeCovr helps you navigate the complexities of private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores how PMI can provide support for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, offering a clear path to understanding your private healthcare options.
Covering leukaemia, lymphoma and haematology services privately
A blood cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. While the NHS provides exceptional cancer care, many people in the UK look to private medical insurance (PMI) for faster access to diagnostics, specialist consultations, and a wider range of treatment options.
Understanding how private health cover works for blood cancers is crucial. It’s a nuanced area, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial diagnosis through to treatment and aftercare, helping you make an informed decision for yourself and your family.
Understanding Blood Cancer in the UK
Blood cancers, also known as haematological cancers, start in the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. They are the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 41,000 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer each year. The three main types are:
- Leukaemia: Cancer of the white blood cells. Around 10,100 people are diagnosed with leukaemia annually in the UK.
- Lymphoma: Cancer that begins in the infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. It's the most common blood cancer, with around 14,200 new cases each year.
- Myeloma: Cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. About 6,000 people are diagnosed with myeloma in the UK each year.
While the NHS has a world-class reputation for cancer treatment, the journey can involve waiting lists for specialist appointments and specific scans. This is where private health insurance can offer significant benefits by providing prompt access to the private sector.
The Most Important Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
Before we dive deeper, it's vital to understand the fundamental principle of private medical insurance in the UK.
Standard PMI policies are designed to cover acute conditions that arise after your policy has started.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery.
- A chronic condition is a disease, illness, or injury that has one or more of the following characteristics: it needs long-term monitoring, has no known cure, is likely to recur, or requires ongoing management.
Blood cancers are almost always classified by insurers as chronic conditions. Furthermore, if you have experienced symptoms, sought advice, or received treatment for a blood cancer before taking out a policy, it will be considered a pre-existing condition.
In short, you cannot buy a new private health insurance policy to cover a blood cancer you already have.
However, if you develop a blood cancer after your policy begins, a comprehensive plan with good cancer cover can be an invaluable source of support.
What Does Private Cancer Cover Actually Include?
Most mid-range and comprehensive private medical insurance UK policies include cancer cover as a core benefit. This cover is designed to work alongside the NHS, giving you choice and control over your treatment pathway.
Here’s what you can typically expect from a policy’s cancer cover:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Diagnostics | Fast access to consultations with a private haematologist and diagnostic tests like blood tests, PET-CT scans, MRI scans, and biopsies to get a swift and accurate diagnosis. |
| Treatment | Full cover for cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy in a private hospital. |
| Advanced Therapies | Access to biological therapies and new, licensed cancer drugs that may not yet be available on the NHS due to funding decisions by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). |
| Surgical Procedures | Cover for surgeries such as bone marrow or stem cell transplants, if included in your policy. |
| Palliative Care | Support for managing pain and symptoms if your cancer is not curable. |
| Support Services | Access to dedicated cancer nurses, telephone support lines, and mental health counselling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis. |
| Prosthetics & Wigs | Contribution towards the cost of prostheses or wigs needed as a result of treatment. |
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare the specific cancer benefits of different policies, ensuring you find cover that provides genuine peace of mind.
How Underwriting Affects Your Cover for Cancer
When you apply for private health cover, the insurer assesses your medical history to decide what they can cover. This process is called underwriting. There are two main types:
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. You don't declare your full medical history upfront. Instead, the insurer automatically excludes any condition (and related conditions) for which you have had symptoms, medication, or advice in the five years before your policy started. However, if you remain completely free of symptoms, treatment, and advice for that condition for a continuous two-year period after your policy starts, the exclusion may be lifted.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide your complete medical history on the application form. The insurer then reviews this and tells you from the start what will be permanently excluded. This provides certainty but can be a more complex process.
Example Scenario: Moratorium Underwriting Sarah took out a PMI policy in 2025. In 2023, she had seen her GP for persistent fatigue and bruising, but tests were inconclusive. In 2026, she is diagnosed with leukaemia. Because she had symptoms related to the condition in the five years before her policy began, her insurer would likely classify it as pre-existing and decline to cover her treatment.
This is why it's so important to get cover in place when you are healthy.
Can I Get Health Insurance if I've Had Cancer in the Past?
Yes, it is often possible, but it depends on several factors:
- The type of cancer
- How long ago you finished treatment
- Whether you are in full remission
Most insurers will want you to have been cancer-free and treatment-free for at least five years. When you apply, the cancer you had will be a pre-existing condition and will be permanently excluded from your new policy. However, you could still be covered for new, unrelated primary cancers that develop in the future.
Navigating applications with a past cancer diagnosis can be tricky. Using a specialist broker is highly recommended. At WeCovr, we have experience helping people in this situation find a provider who can offer them fair terms for future, unrelated conditions.
Comparing Cancer Cover from Leading UK PMI Providers
Not all cancer cover is created equal. Insurers offer different levels of protection, so it's essential to check the details. Here's a comparison of how some of the UK's best PMI providers approach cancer care.
| Provider | Cancer Cover Approach | Key Features & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| AXA Health | Comprehensive cancer cover is standard on most policies. They offer a 'Guided' option where they help you find the right specialist. | • Full cover for diagnostics, treatment, and aftercare. • Access to their dedicated cancer support team. • Covers licensed drugs, even if not NHS-funded. • 'Expert Help' service for second opinions. |
| Bupa | Extensive cancer cover with no time limits on treatment, as long as you remain a Bupa member. | • 'Full Cancer Cover' is a core benefit on comprehensive plans. • Direct access to diagnosis without needing a GP referral for specific symptoms. • Covers breakthrough drugs and treatments. • Support from specialist oncology nurses. |
| Aviva | Their 'Expert Select' hospital list gives access to leading cancer centres. Their 'Healthier Solutions' policy has extensive cancer cover. | • Full cover for cancer treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. • Option to include an 'NHS Cancer Cover Pathway', which can reduce premiums (you use the NHS for treatment if it's available within a set timeframe). • Mental health support included. |
| Vitality | 'Advanced Cancer Cover' is a key feature, focusing on innovative treatments and promoting a healthy lifestyle to reduce cancer risk. | • Full cover for biological therapies, hormone therapies, and bisphosphonates. • Rewards programme encourages healthy living. • Access to a 'Premier Consultant' panel. • Cash benefit option if you choose NHS treatment. |
Note: Policy benefits and terms are subject to change and depend on the specific plan chosen. This table is for illustrative purposes as of 2025.
What is Private Haematology and Is It Covered?
Haematology is the medical specialty focused on the study and treatment of blood and blood-forming organs. While it is central to treating blood cancers, it also covers a wide range of non-cancerous conditions, such as:
- Anaemia: A deficiency in red blood cells or haemoglobin.
- Haemophilia: A disorder affecting the blood's ability to clot.
- Thrombosis: The formation of blood clots in blood vessels.
- Sickle Cell Disease: An inherited red blood cell disorder.
If you develop an acute blood disorder after your policy starts, private medical insurance can cover the costs of:
- Consultations with a private haematologist.
- Diagnostic tests to identify the cause of your symptoms.
- Treatment to resolve the acute condition.
However, if the condition is diagnosed as chronic (like haemophilia or sickle cell disease), your PMI policy would typically cover the initial diagnosis but not the long-term management, which would revert to the NHS.
Enhancing Your Health and Wellbeing
While you can't always prevent cancer, a healthy lifestyle can support your overall wellbeing and potentially reduce the risk of certain health issues. It's about taking proactive steps to look after yourself.
Diet and Blood Health
A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients is essential for healthy blood cell production.
- Iron: Found in red meat, beans, nuts, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach. Iron is vital for making haemoglobin.
- Vitamin B12: Found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Essential for red blood cell formation.
- Folate (Folic Acid): Found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and chickpeas. Also crucial for healthy red blood cells.
To help you stay on track with a balanced diet, WeCovr customers receive complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It makes managing your health and diet simple and intuitive.
The Importance of Activity and Rest
- Regular Exercise: Gentle to moderate activity like walking, swimming, or cycling boosts circulation and supports your immune system.
- Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and is critical for immune function.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can impact your physical health. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or simply spending time in nature can make a big difference.
The Cost of Private Blood Cancer Treatment in the UK
To understand the value of private medical insurance, it helps to know the potential costs of private treatment. Without insurance, the bills can be overwhelming.
| Service / Treatment | Estimated Private Cost (without insurance) |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation with a Haematologist | £250 – £400 |
| MRI Scan | £500 – £1,500 |
| PET-CT Scan | £2,000 – £3,000+ |
| One Cycle of Chemotherapy | £3,000 – £8,000+ (depending on the drugs used) |
| A Course of Radiotherapy | £10,000 – £20,000+ |
| Stem Cell Transplant | £50,000 – £100,000+ |
These are estimates and can vary significantly based on the hospital, location, and specific treatment required.
A comprehensive private health cover policy is designed to cover these costs, subject to your policy's limits, removing the financial burden during a difficult time.
How to Choose the Right PMI Policy for Cancer Cover
Finding the best PMI provider and policy for your needs requires careful consideration. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you:
- Assess Your Priorities: Do you want access to the latest drugs? Is a private room important? Or is your main goal simply to bypass diagnostic waiting lists?
- Understand Cancer Cover Levels: Check if cancer cover is 'full' or capped at a certain financial limit. Look for any specific exclusions.
- Review the Hospital List: Ensure the policy gives you access to reputable hospitals and cancer centres near you.
- Consider the Excess: A higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) will lower your monthly premium.
- Look for Added Value: Do you get benefits like mental health support, virtual GP services, or wellness rewards?
- Speak to an Expert Broker: This is the most important step. A broker doesn't charge you a fee. Their role is to understand your needs and search the market for you.
WeCovr provides independent, expert advice, helping you compare dozens of policies from across the UK market. We pride ourselves on our high customer satisfaction ratings and can also offer discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection, when you buy a policy through us.
Will private health insurance cover a blood cancer diagnosis if I already have symptoms?
What's the difference between 'full cancer cover' and an 'NHS Cancer Cover Pathway'?
Can I get private health cover if a close family member has had blood cancer?
Do all private health insurance policies in the UK cover cancer?
Take the Next Step with WeCovr
Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our friendly, expert team is here to provide clarity and help you compare quotes from the UK's leading insurers, all at no cost to you.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.
